In a statement made by the Japanese Coast Guard, it was announced that a tourist boat carrying 24 passengers and 2 crew members, including 2 children, sank off the coast of Hokkaido province in northern Japan.
MYNET – EXTERNAL NEWS
NO ONE FOUND YET
The boat KAZU I made an emergency distress call earlier today at 13:15 local time. Coast guard officials reported that rescuers were diverted to the area near the Shiretoko Peninsula around 5:30 pm, but eight hours later, no one has yet been found, despite a search by six patrol boats and four planes.
The 19-tonne boat was said to have had its bow submerged and began to sink as it tilted at a 30-degree angle, but no contact has been made since.
WEATHER CONDITIONS WAS BAD
A local fishing cooperative said high waves and strong winds were observed in the area at noon, with fishing boats returning to the port before that to avoid bad weather.
Efforts are underway to find the missing persons.